Indian and Chinese Troops Set for Disengagement and Coordinated Patrolling in Ladakh

The disengagement process of Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Depsang and Demchok is expected to finish on Tuesday.

After this, both armies will start “coordinated” patrolling in areas they couldn’t access since April 2020.

Army sources say the removal of temporary structures in these areas is almost complete. Some verification has already been done by both sides.

This verification is happening in person and with drones. Troops from both countries are moving back to safer locations.

The new patrols will involve small groups of about 10 to 15 soldiers.

Verification of the disengagement is taking place with cooperation from officers from both armies.

Satellite images show that the Chinese have taken down their temporary structures in Depsang and Demchok.

India and China have been in a military standoff along the border for over four years.

Last week, India announced an agreement on patrolling. China confirmed that their troops are working together smoothly.

Coordinated patrols will begin within the next two days after verification is complete. Both sides will inform each other in advance to avoid any conflicts.

A similar plan is being discussed in Arunachal Pradesh, where tensions have developed.

In Depsang, Indian troops will now be able to patrol areas they couldn’t reach before.

In Demchok, they can access points at Track Junction and Charding Nullah. However, many Indian troops sent to Ladakh after the standoff will remain.

They will stay until a broader agreement on patrolling is made with China.

There are no plans to withdraw troops until trust and verification are established.